Staff are happier if they can use their own computer devices at work

Organisations that allow employees to bring their own computer devices (BYOD) to use at work are more attractive employers and enjoy better workplace morale, according to research by cloud computing firm Nasstar.

The research, which surveyed 300 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), found that allowing staff to use their own smartphones, laptops or tablets in the workplace would position the workplace as flexible and attractive to employees.

It also found:

64% of respondents already allow their staff to use their own devices in the workplace.

64% said they had written policies in place for staff wishing to do so.

58% felt that letting staff use their own devices had led to increased output and better workplace efficiency.

60% felt they had saved some money on IT training and hardware by letting employees use their own devices.

70% felt that, with the rise of tablets and smartphones, it is inevitable that all staff will request to use their own devices.

Charles Black, chief executive at Nasstar, said: “There is a growing demand by today’s plugged-in workforce to use their own devices at work.

“While some employers have a blanket ban on this, it’s clear that most in our survey realise that they look more attractive to employees if they allow it, at least in some form.”

Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University Management School, added: “As this research shows, most people these days generally like the option of using their own computer devices at work.

“For employers, it’s better to be flexible to their employees’ needs than impose ways of working that go against the preferences of their workforce.”